10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,916 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Jeep Liberty engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Jeep Liberty Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

Mar 232015

Liberty 4WD 6-cyl

  • 191,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 2002 Jeep Liberty we bought for my wife back in 2010 from we thought was a very good honest car dealer will not name this person, but I ended up placing a brand new water pump within days of buying, then a new radio part from the dealer not cheap either, then the hood supports one was bad and the hood fell on my head so I bought 2 more not cheap all the oem- parts, not long after that had new SUV tires the type it used, had to buy the book that goes with the Jeep from dealer almost $100 just for the book. We still kept the Jeep it was paid for, then I placed new brakes pads and turned the front rotors too, bought new chrome lug nuts the tire people messed up several of my lug nuts, had chrome lug nuts placed, then we-started getting these safety recalls in the mail hard for us to do without a way of going, but the drive shaft dropped out while my brother - in- law was test driving it to find out what was making a bad roaring sound from under the Jeep, when he turned the Jeep around to go back to his shop the drive-shaft dropped out on the ground, I was shocked as well as him too. And my wife what else is going to happen with that Jeep.I never heard of so many recalls for one 2002 Jeep Liberty I have never seen or heard of what is next." My wife now drives the Jeep without the drive shaft that came loose and dropped out. Now it's just a 2 wheel drive Jeep not 4X4.I'm very upset with all that has go wrong with this Jeep, we've had it almost 5 years and haven't put maybe 10 to 13,000 miles on the Jeep during that time, she drives back and to - to work, please help us tell us what to do" if this drive-shaft would have came out while my wife was driving around 55mph it could have either killed or even caused very bad bodily harm to her, in the affected parts will not allow to place the part that you should look at_ front drive_shaft!!)

- Alapaha, GA, USA

problem #32

Jan 012013

Liberty

  • miles
Email from congressman latta's office re constituent complaints about her Chrysler 2002 Jeep Liberty (119000 mileage) with a knocking engine due to manufacturers problem. The consumer stated she was diligent about checking the oil. However, one day when she checked the oil, due to an engine knock, she discovered the oil was three quarts low and a warning signal never alerted her. When the vehicle was taken to a repair shop, she was informed a new engine was needed at a cost of $4,500. The consumer was informed, there was a known oil delivery issue with the 2002-2003 3.7 liter engines.

- Delta, OH, USA

problem #31

Mar 012011

Liberty

  • 75,000 miles
Engine was running great. Started to loose power, skipped and then blew up.. new engine was $5000 from the dealer... it started to skip again.. I took it back for $3000 dollars more work... now its skipping again...

- Wyalusing, PA, USA

problem #30

May 062009

Liberty

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving approximately 50 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the engine would need to be replaced. The faulty engine was not included in the service warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

problem #29

Feb 012012

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
I bought my 2002 Jeep Liberty used with 99000 miles at 105000 the engine blew with no warning. I wish I would have looked into the complaints first never would have bought a Jeep. Obviously there is a problem with as many complaints that are the same. The 3.7L engine is junk come on Jeep do something to help with this $4000 cost of replacing an engine.

- La Porte, IN, USA

problem #28

Jan 112011

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 127,969 miles
2 Jeep Liberty's- both engine making loud knocking noise, within a month of each other. Took them in for repair. Told both need new engines. This will be the 3rd time the engine has been replaced in one Jeep; 2 2 times under extended warranty and now 1 engine replaced at $3,500. The other Jeep first engine needs to be replaced. Both Jeep around 130,000 miles. Based on internet traffic complaints, discussions with repair mechanics, and the pricing on replacement engines, there is a evident problem and a recall is in order from Jeep.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #27

Feb 012012

Liberty

  • 84,231 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine failed blowing a cylinder and a half during normal use of the vehicle and I was told by my mechanic it would cost $5,000 for a new one. Bought the car used and have 84,000 miles on it.

- Hanover, PA, USA

problem #26

Nov 052011

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 119,000 miles
Without warning, the Jeep stalled and has catastrophic engine failure. The engine is not salvageable and has to be replaced. There were no warning signs, no check engine lights or oil pressure warnings. The oil is changed regularly and the vehicle has been well maintained.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #25

Nov 032011

Liberty 6-cyl

  • miles
August 08, bought my 02 Liberty. Took about 1.5 years to drive it because of an accident - that's why I bought the Liberty. About 1 year later the idle air control valve went out, had to replace it. There's been other, minor things, like when accelerating, feels like someone bumped into me. Sometimes are worse than others. Often feel a "vibration." Within months of being 1 year of replacing the iav, began to get extremely bad gas mileage - about 187M to a tank. Not sure why. Replaced the spark plugs, did a lof, inspection, etc.. almost exactly 1 year from replacing the iav, check engine light came on. Was on for 1-1.5 days. I decided not use it until I could get it to the mechanic. Next morning, was going to the store & the light was off! but when I pulled into a parking space, it died. This sort of things happened before, db cluster being "faulty." Other things [vacuum seal leak, etc] never prompted the lights on. Had to replace the iav again & it ran fine. Recently, been getting that "kicking" feeling & like my car is running "rough". today, I noticed the airbag light was stuck on. Checked the manual, it said to have the airbag system checked. I was nervous about driving - had an odd feeling the airbag would deploy - moved my seat back just in case. Since the accident, I get anxiety over these things. Luckily, no deployment. Got it home, turned it off, waited, turned it on, waited a few seconds and the light turned off this time. Went straight to my computer only to find these recalls and investigations - one being the steering - last week had a nerve-wracking experience, my car began to swerve turning left onto the freeway, it was raining, so, I slowly merged. Wasn't until it straightened out that it began to swerve, almost like losing control, didn't feel like a "slip." But I just assumed it was. Also, the seat belts don't seem to stay click in at times.

- Tenino, WA, USA

problem #24

Sep 302011

Liberty

  • 98,000 miles
I have a 2002 Jeep Liberty. Change oil every 3000 miles. Valve seat shattered. Zero compression in #2 cylinder. I checked on line and there is a lot of other people with the same problem. What are you going to do about it? I loved my Jeep so much we were going to buy another one. Now I'm having second thoughts about buying your vehicles.

- Coventry, RI, USA

problem #23

Sep 292011

Liberty

  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Cause: Seat got loose got jammed in the valve and busted the piston, effect: Engine chokes out. Wont idle. Misfires. Pulled no codes. I have found this and broken valve springs are an extremely common flaw in Jeep 2002-5. in 2006 Chrysler changed the intake parts for it and never notified the public as to the reason. The replacement parts are listed as being able to be bought rebuilt or new, however you cannot find any rebuilt ones. Reason being you would have the same problem because its defective. This should have been recalled. No deaths=no recall -[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Belle Vernon, PA, USA

problem #22

Mar 082011

Liberty

  • 115,000 miles
Needs new engine.

- Kidron, OH, USA

problem #21

Apr 152011

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
When vehicle was started that morning check engine light came on. No apparent problems oil and other fluids ok. The power steering at one point that day seemed to go out for a brief moment but problem was not recurring. Driving down the highway that afternoon and the vehicle just died smoke was pouring from under the hood. I pulled onto the side of the road, liquid was leaking all over the ground. Called a mechanic he stated it was antifreeze leaking. Could not restart vehicle, had it towed to mechanic. Upon inspection I found out the long block was cracked. I bought the Jeep a year ago used, currently 140,000 miles. I am still paying on it monthly. It needs a new engine and is currently sitting in my driveway. I am still paying on it monthly. After talking to a few mechanics I found out this is a common problem with this make/model/year. The research I have done confirms it. I am paying to every month to have a brokendown vehicle in my driveway that I can't drive and can't afford to fix. This is a problem with the manufacturing of the engine who is going to take responsibility.

- Pampa, TX, USA

problem #20

Apr 072011

Liberty

  • 81,000 miles
Car overheated, check engine light came on and steam poured out from under the hood on the highway. Mechanic used a scan tool and determined that there was a cylinder 2 misfire. Coolant was found in the cylinder and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. When the head was removed the gasket was ok but it was determined that the engine (long block) needed to be replaced. I have found other owners online who have had this same issue with the 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty's. I am over the 7 year 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. Car was always maintained and regular oil changes were performed. No off-roading or towing done with this vehicle.

- Addison, IL, USA

problem #19

Sep 302010

Liberty

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the engine exhibited an abnormally loud noise when first starting. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that parts of the engine began fracturing and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer advised that the engine would need to be taken apart to determine the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and advised they were unable to assist because they were not aware of the failure. The contact was advised by a local mechanic that the replacement engine could malfunction in the same manner as the original. The vehicle was not repaired and the VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 140,000.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #18

Feb 102011

Liberty

  • 103,700 miles
While driving my 2002 Jeep Liberty at an estimated 45-50 mph, the engine suddenly stalled and then shut off without warning. The engine roared as if accelerating and rpms fluctuated from high to low without increasing actual vehicle speed and lost control of steering and coasted until car stopped. The dashboard lit up for battery, check engine light, and oil and all other power stayed on, including radio and headlights and emergency lights. When car came to a stop, I put the car in park and turned it off and restarted it. Dashboard indicators turned off and car started normally to only repeat the same engine stall less than a mile away at a slower speed. Car then required several more attempts to start engine. At this time, the car had a 1/2 tank of gas. The next day I changed all fluids including oil, antifreeze, coolant and added a fuel injection cleaner and filled car to a full tank and was able to drive back home without issue. Next time car was used same engine stall happened as car was in reverse and without the RPM fluctuation or dashboard indicators lighting up. New battery installed and hooked up to computer for data codes which revealed no error codes. Car currently in shop for 7 days with over $500 in costs that did not solve problem. Car maintenance in great shape at 103700 miles and full car tuneup done just last year by Jeep dealership. I have been told by the mechanic of several different problems it could be or not be, and invest money in repairs that may not even solve the problem. Total engines failures/stalls in one week averaged 2 times each time the car was driven. Given the traffic and traveling speed of the car, I was lucky to have avoided collision but do not feel safe or trust to use my car especially after reading complaints of others experiencing same engine failure without a solution provided that solved the problem.

- Golf, IL, USA

problem #17

Jun 032010

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 86,800 miles
2002 Jeep Liberty limited edition valve spring problem. All of sudden loosing power steering and with luck pulled over.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #16

Jul 132009

Liberty

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. Whenever the vehicle is started, the engine compartment makes a loud clunking noise. The mechanic stated that there was an issue with the spark plugs. The spark plugs were replaced, but the failure was not corrected. The contact was informed that there was an issue with the valve system. Through research, he has found numerous complaints on this same failure and believes it to be a manufacturer defect. He also believes that a recall should be issued. The current and failure mileages were 91,000.

- Fenton, MO, USA

problem #15

May 252002

Liberty

  • 50,000 miles
2002 Jeep Liberty limited. I have replaced the engine, rebuilt the 4 -wheel drive shaft, replaced the A/C condenser and coil, and now the radio, dome lights, power locks are broken. The blower motor resistor has been replaced but now the blower motor is broken. What a lemon from day one. Latches on hatch not working correctly, mold smell from A/C. it is something all the time with this vehicle.

- Edwardsville, IL, USA

problem #14

Aug 122008

Liberty

  • 81,273 miles
2002 Jeep Liberty ---plastic fan broke and took out the electric fan, all shrouds total cost was $1,236.19 [plastic fan what the ?!@#$% gives].

- New Haven, KY, USA

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